Pennsylvania Senate Passes Voucher Measure

After stalling earlier this year, a measure to create a new voucher program was approved by the Pennsylvania state Senate on Wednesday.

The legislation, Senate Bill 1, would offer money to low-income families to have their children attend private schools, with the amount varying by income level.

The measure was approved by the Republican-controlled chamber by a 27-22 vote, with a few Democrats on board. It now moves to the state's House of Representatives, where the GOP also has a majority. If the measure makes it into law, Pennsylvania would become one of several Republican-led states to approve voucher measures this year.

The bill also expands an existing state program that provides tax credits to organizations for supporting a range of educational efforts, including private-school scholarships and education programs designed to improve public schools.

Republican Gov. Tom Corbett recently reiterated his interest in creating a new voucher program. Bill sponsor Jeffrey Piccola said in a statement that he is "hopeful the governor will vigorously engage on Senate Bill 1 and my colleagues in the House will move this legislation to his desk in a dramatic fashion."

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